A Successful Summer

In my previous blog, I told you all about how to make a great summer bucket list. And now I am back to give you a little professional advice on how to make this summer work for you in more ways than just fun. With the collaboration of advice from local professionals, the following are a few sure ways to get ahead this summer.

1. Make A Goals List

Just like on a road trip, you may know where you want to go but unless you have a GPS or road map you are not going to know how to get there. Write down what you want to do. Set your goals high and motivate yourself to reach beyond what you think is possible. No one ever accomplished much if only reaching for the lowest branch.

2. Make Contacts Or Build A Fan Base

Take advantage of all the free time you are going to have now that you won’t be working on papers and assignments for hours a day. Make some contacts in the field you want to be in. You have heard the phrase, “It’s all about who you know.” That could not be any more true. Are you a blogger? Start blogging daily. Create a blog theme and begin making social network pages. Do what you can to build your readership and your fan base while you have the time.

3. Shadowing

Now that you have your contacts, figure out how to make them work for you. Shadow an executive, show them your work, do an internship. You have the power to make a difference in your future if you know how to work your sources to your advantage. Future employers are looking for ambitious, determined, and experienced employees. Make yourself that employee.

4. Accomplish Something

Besides your big goals, make a few little goals that are not as related to the professional field you hope to find yourself in, like running a 5K or learning to cook. Accomplishing small goals like this will build your confidence. Confidence leads to success. So break out the running shoes or check out what Paula Deen is cooking this week and accomplish something!

Getting started is always the hardest part, but it gets easier once you get going. So brace yourself for the best and prep yourself for your future. Do you have any pieces of advice or stories about professional successes? Share them in the comments below.